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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. –The Independence Day holiday is typically among the busiest times of the year at the region’s lakes and rivers, and this year, will likely be no exception even with the holiday falling during the week. It is a great time for outdoor water fun, but Army Corps of Engineers officials advise everyone to practice good water safety habits.

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death at Corps Lakes, yet the number of deaths by drowning could be reduced drastically if everyone would wear a life jacket. Statistics show that 89 percent of those who drown at Army Corps of Engineers lakes and rivers may have survived if they had worn a life jacket. Here are some safety tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday:

Swimming in open water is different and more difficult than in a swimming pool. You can tire more quickly and get into trouble due to waves, current, lack of experience, exhaustion or your abilities have decreased. You could find yourself in a situation where you are fighting for your life with no chance of survival. Even the best swimmers can misjudge their skills and abilities while swimming in a lake or river. Conditions can change quickly in open water, so before entering the water, please wear a life jacket.

Be mindful when swimming around boat docks too, they may seem deceptively safe even with a life jacket on but you never know what lurks underneath the dock in the water like, electrical lines.

While wearing a life jacket you will not use as much energy, it will help you float and most importantly it will help ensure that you return home alive to those who love you. Peer pressure can sometimes kill people. Know your swimming ability when you are out with friends, swim in designated areas and wear a life jacket.

If you don’t have a life jacket or forget yours, a limited supply of life jackets are available for loan at Beaver, Table Rock, Bull Shoals, Norfork, Clearwater, Greers Ferry, Nimrod, Blue Mountain, Millwood, Dierks, DeQueen and Gillham lakes, as well as several Corps parks along the Arkansas River.

While on or near the water watch your children at all times. It only takes 20 seconds for a child to drown.

“Usually people believe that if someone is drowning they will yell for help and that is not the case at all,” said the Corps’ National Water Safety Program Manager Pam Doty. “Several people drown every year within 10 feet of safety because the people around them did not recognize the signs of drowning,”

The four signs of a drowning victim can resemble someone just playing in the water. They include head back, mouth open gasping for air, no yelling or sound, and arms slapping the water like they are trying to climb out of the water. Properly rescuing someone should never include contact with them unless you are a trained lifeguard. Reach out to the victim with something to keep your distance or throw them something that floats to pull them to safety.

Following these safety tips can help make your family’s holiday a safe and enjoyable one. Remember safety comes first!

Water safety tips and life jacket loaner program information can be found on the Internet at www.swl.usace.army.mil, Facebook at www.facebook.com/littlerockusace, and Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/usacelittlerock.